In East China, Michigan, the Cardinal Mooney High School football team is making waves early in the 2026 season, bouncing back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish with an 0-9 record. Senior lineman Riley Brohl reflects on the past, acknowledging that while he wishes to forget last year's struggles, the memories serve as motivation for the current squad. "I try to forget about last year a lot," Brohl stated, "but I always keep it in the back of my head just to fuel me and keep going."
Brohl's sentiments are echoed by junior lineman Matt Koles, who believes that the pain of last season is driving their current performance. "Last year is pretty much fueling our drive. Just remembering the pain and not wanting that to happen again," Koles said. The Cardinals have indeed turned that pain into power, starting the 2026 season with two consecutive victories, including a commanding 35-0 win over Auburn Hills Oakland Christian on September 4.
Head coach Dan Kilian praised his team's resilience, noting that despite the challenges of the previous season, the players never gave up. "These kids, no matter how hard last season was getting, they never backed down, and they never quit," Kilian remarked. He believes that the hardships faced have taught the players valuable lessons about what it takes to win. The team dedicated themselves to rigorous offseason training, and it is now paying off as they currently boast a remarkable scoring differential of 63-6 over their first two games.
Senior wide receiver Gabe Breight attributes their success to the hard work put in during the summer months. "We got a lot of guys that just want to win. Looking back at last year, we understand the work that has to be put in in the summer," he explained. This commitment to improvement is evident, as the Cardinals have already outscored their opponents more than they did throughout the entirety of last season, when they managed just 19 points.
Coach Kilian reflected on the difficulties of the previous season, highlighting that the team was young and inexperienced, starting five freshmen. "Not only did we go 0-9, but we were fairly uncompetitive in most of the games. To fight through that adversity and work really hard in the offseason is a testament to the kids," he said. Their determination to succeed is palpable as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the Catholic High School League.
Flexibility is crucial for a small school like Cardinal Mooney, which competes in Division 8. Players must be willing to adapt and take on multiple roles. Brohl emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual stats, noting that players like Dylan Davenport have made significant sacrifices for the benefit of the team. Davenport transitioned from running back to the offensive line, showcasing the collective commitment to team success.
As the Cardinals gear up for their next game, they are aware that maintaining their momentum will be vital. With one more non-conference game before facing rival Allen Park Cabrini in Week 4, the team is focused on continuous improvement. Coach Kilian believes they have only scratched the surface of their potential, stating, "I think we’re at about 40% of what we can be. Are we going to be content getting a couple wins? Or are we going to fight to get to what we could actually be by the end of the season?" The Cardinals are determined to keep pushing forward, with the lessons of the past serving as a powerful motivator for the future.
Leave a Comment